Death of Love Island star Mike Thalassitis 'not suspicious'

The death of former Love Island contestant Mike Thalassitis is not being treated as suspicious.

Police and London Ambulance Service were called to a park close to Latymer Way, in Edmonton, north London, on Saturday.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene, police said, adding that the death was not being treated as suspicious.

The reality television star and semi-professional footballer, 26, found fame on the 2017 series of the ITV competitive dating show.

He earned the nickname Muggy Mike after partnering with fellow islander Chris Hughes's girlfriend Olivia Attwood.

A statement from the Metropolitan Police said: "Police were called to a park near Latymer Way, N9, at 9.28am on Saturday, March 16 to reports of a man found hanged.

"Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended and found a man, aged in his 20s, deceased.

"At this early stage, the death is not being treated as suspicious. Police are in the process of informing the man's next of kin. A file will be prepared for the coroner."

Several reality TV personalities posted tributes after news of his death was reported.

The Only Way Is Essex star Ferne McCann posted that he was "an absolute gent."

Love Island host Caroline Flack echoed McCann's message on Instagram.

She said: "Mike... you were a total gentleman... I won't forget that ... it's so sad ...you will be missed. RIP."

Thalassitis, who was of Cypriot descent, was born in Edmonton and played for clubs including St Albans and Chelmsford.

• Samaritans is available 24/7 every day of the year, to listen and offer support to anyone who is struggling to cope. People can contact Samaritans by phone, free of charge, on 116123, via email at jo@samaritans.org or can visit www.samaritans.org to find details of their local branch.